Barefoot Contessa Easy Coquilles Saint Jacques

Barefoot Contessa Easy Coquilles Saint Jacques is made with bay scallops, cremini mushrooms, Gruyère cheese, shallots, seafood stock, and Cognac. This recipe creates a creamy, savory seafood gratin with a crispy breadcrumb topping. It takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes to prepare and serves 6.

Barefoot Contessa Easy Coquilles Saint Jacques Ingredients

• 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, divided
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 1½ cups seafood stock or clam juice
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ teaspoon curry powder
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup small-diced shallots (4 large)
• 12 ounces cremini mushrooms, caps brushed clean, stems discarded
• ¼ cup Cognac or brandy
• 1½ cups fresh bread crumbs
• ¼ cup minced fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 5 ounces grated Gruyère cheese
• ¼ cup good olive oil
• 2 pounds fresh bay scallops, drained, side muscles removed

How To Make Barefoot Contessa Easy Coquilles Saint Jacques

1. Preheat the Oven: Set oven to 400°F and arrange six 1½-cup gratin dishes on two sheet pans.
2. Make the Sauce: Melt 4 tablespoons butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour for 2 minutes. Add seafood stock, then cream, curry powder, 1½ tsp salt, and ½ tsp pepper. Simmer 10 minutes.
3. Cook the Vegetables: In a large sauté pan, melt remaining butter. Sauté shallots for 2–3 minutes. Add sliced mushrooms, cook for 8 minutes. Stir in Cognac and cook 1–2 minutes until evaporated. Season with 1 tsp salt and ½ tsp pepper.
4. Mix Topping: In a bowl, combine bread crumbs, parsley, Gruyère, and olive oil. Stir to moisten.
5. Assemble the Gratin: Stir mushrooms into the cream sauce. Add scallops and 1½ tsp salt. Divide mixture into gratin dishes.
6. Add the Topping and Bake: Sprinkle with bread crumb mixture and bake for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden. Serve hot.

Recipe Tips

• Use Fresh Scallops: Fresh bay scallops give the best texture, or quarter sea scallops as a substitute.
• Make Fresh Breadcrumbs: Use crustless white bread pulsed in a food processor for best results.
• Don’t Skip the Curry Powder: It adds subtle warmth and depth to the sauce.
• Assemble Ahead: You can prep the dish up to a day ahead and bake just before serving.
• Use Gratin Dishes: These allow for even baking and elegant presentation.

What To Serve With Coquilles Saint Jacques

This rich seafood dish pairs well with a crisp green salad, roasted asparagus, or steamed haricots verts. For bread, try crusty baguette or garlic toast. A dry white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc complements it perfectly.

How To Store Coquilles Saint Jacques

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven until hot.
Freeze: Not recommended—the cream sauce may separate upon thawing.

Coquilles Saint Jacques Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 560
• Total Fat: 38g
• Saturated Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Sugar: 3g
• Protein: 36g
• Sodium: 880mg

FAQs

Can I use sea scallops instead of bay scallops?
Yes, quarter sea scallops to mimic the size and texture of bay scallops.

What kind of mushrooms can I use?
Cremini are best, but white button mushrooms can be substituted.

Is Cognac necessary?
It adds depth, but you can use brandy or omit it if needed.

Can I assemble this in one dish instead of individual gratins?
Yes, use a large baking dish and adjust baking time as needed.

Do I need to pre-cook the scallops?
No, they cook fully in the oven with the sauce.

Try More Recipes:

• Barefoot Contessa Steamed Couscous
• Barefoot Contessa Moroccan Lamb Tagine
• Barefoot Contessa Herbed Pork Tenderloins With Apple Chutney